Unwieldy: meaning, definitions and examples

🤦‍♂️
Add to dictionary

unwieldy

 

[ ʌnˈwiːldi ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

difficult to handle

Difficult to carry or move because of its size, shape, or weight. Awkward and clumsy in use or handling. Not easily controlled or managed.

Synonyms

awkward, bulky, cumbersome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unwieldy

Refers to something that is difficult to handle, move, or use because of its size, shape, or weight.

  • The new sofa was too unwieldy to carry through the narrow doorway
bulky

Describes something that takes up a lot of space and is often inconvenient or cumbersome due to its size.

  • He prefers not to carry a bulky backpack while traveling
awkward

Used when something or someone is clumsy and creates discomfort or embarrassment in social situations. It can also refer to objects that are difficult to handle or use efficiently.

  • The conversation about politics became quite awkward at the family dinner
cumbersome

Implies that something is large, heavy, and difficult to manage or use. It often gives a sense of inefficiency or inconvenience.

  • The old printing press was too cumbersome to operate efficiently

Examples of usage

  • It's hard to maneuver the unwieldy package through the narrow doorway.
  • She struggled with the unwieldy umbrella in the strong wind.
  • The unwieldy bureaucracy made it difficult to get anything done efficiently.

Translations

Translations of the word "unwieldy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desajeitado

🇮🇳 भारी

🇩🇪 unhandlich

🇮🇩 sulit diatur

🇺🇦 незграбний

🇵🇱 nieporęczny

🇯🇵 扱いにくい

🇫🇷 encombrant

🇪🇸 incómodo

🇹🇷 hantal

🇰🇷 다루기 힘든

🇸🇦 ضخم

🇨🇿 nepohodlný

🇸🇰 nepohodlný

🇨🇳 笨重

🇸🇮 neroden

🇮🇸 óþjált

🇰🇿 қолайсыз

🇬🇪 უხერხული

🇦🇿 narahat

🇲🇽 incómodo

Etymology

The word 'unwieldy' originated from the Middle English 'unweldi,' meaning 'difficult to govern.' It has been used in English since the 14th century. Over time, its meaning expanded to refer to anything difficult to handle or manage.

See also: wield.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,826, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.